Interview with Mr. Juan Esteban Reina CEO of ProdAfrica Business Directory. About the objective of this company to give visibility and improve the chances of companies, cooperatives and entrepreneurs to show their products and services in Europe.
Interviewer: Good morning Mr. Juan Esteban Reina, thank you for taking the time to talk with us today. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at ProdAfrica Business Directory?
Mr. Juan Esteban Reina: Hi, it’s a pleasure to be here. I am the creator of ProdAfrica Business Directory, a platform that helps connect African businesses, cooperatives and entrepreneurs with potential customers and investors in Europe. I have over 15 years of experience working on African-European business relationships, and I am passionate about helping African businesses grow and prosper.
But above all, its people, its landscapes, its life, its strength, its entrepreneurial spirit, in short, Africa.
Interviewer: It’s great to hear that. Can you tell us about the purpose of the ProdAfrica Business Directory and how it intends to improve African businesses in Europe?
Mr. Juan Esteban Reina: Of course. Our goal is to create a bridge between African companies and the European market. Contact is essential, and many times the difficulty of finding partners, or clients or distributors in Europe is a media problem. We believe there are many talented and innovative entrepreneurs in Africa who can benefit from exposure to a wider audience, and our platform helps them connect with potential clients and investors in Europe.
Our directory lists a variety of African businesses, ranging from small-scale cooperatives to large corporations. We provide them with a platform to showcase their products and services to a global audience, helping them build their brand and grow their customer base.
In addition, we offer resources and support to help African companies navigate the complex European marketplace. We even publish their Events to make known what kind of activities they carry out.
Overall, our goal is to help African businesses succeed in Europe by providing them with the tools and resources they need to grow and prosper. We believe this is not only good for the companies themselves, but also for the communities they serve, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
We have helped several African companies gain exposure in the European market and connect with new clients and investors.
Interviewer: That’s really inspiring. What are your future plans for ProdAfrica Business Directory?
Mr. Juan Esteban Reina: Our plans for the future are to continue expanding our platform and reach more African companies and potential clients and investors in Europe. We want to make it easier for African companies to access the European market and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.
We also plan to develop new tools and resources to help African businesses grow and prosper, such as online training courses and mentoring programs.
Ultimately, our goal is to create a more equitable and sustainable global economy by empowering African businesses to compete and succeed on the global stage. We believe that this is not only good for African companies but for the world as a whole.
Interviewer: That is very interesting. Can you tell us more about how ProdAfrica Business Directory got started in Botswana and South Africa? What was the inspiration behind the initiative?
Mr. Juan Esteban Reina: Sure. The inspiration behind the ProdAfrica Business Directory was to address the challenges African businesses face in accessing global markets. As someone who has worked in international trade for many years, I saw firsthand the potential for African companies to compete on the global stage, but also the many obstacles they faced in doing so.
We chose Botswana and South Africa as our starting points because they are both countries with strong economies and a vibrant business community. We saw an opportunity to connect African companies in these countries with potential clients and investors in Europe, and help them navigate the complex regulations and customs requirements of the European market.
Interviewer: That sounds like a lot of work. What has been the response from the business community in Botswana and South Africa?
Mr. Juan Esteban Reina: The response has been very positive. We have had a lot of interest from companies in Botswana and South Africa who are excited about the opportunity to expand their reach beyond their home markets. They see the value of our platform and the resources and support we offer, and they are eager to take advantage of these opportunities. Also from Europe.
Overall, we are very encouraged by the response we have received and are committed to continuing to build our platform and support African businesses as they grow and prosper.
Interviewer: It’s great to hear about the positive response you’ve received so far. As someone who works closely with African businesses, what is your optimistic vision of the future of Africa?
Mr. Juan Esteban Reina: My optimistic vision for the future of Africa is one in which African companies can compete on the global stage and contribute to the growth and development of the continent. I see a future where African economies are diversified, with a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
I also believe that Africa has the potential to become a leader in sustainability and renewable energy, as the continent is endowed with abundant natural resources and a growing awareness of the need to address climate change. Finally, I believe that Africa has the potential to be a world leader in terms of cultural diversity and creativity.
Interviewer: That’s a great vision. However, there are certainly challenges that Africa will face in the next 25 years. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the continent?
Mr. Juan Esteban Reina: Without a doubt, there are many challenges facing Africa in the next 25 years. One of the biggest challenges is infrastructure development. African countries will need to invest heavily in infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and ports, to support economic growth and development.
Another challenge is access to financing and above all VISIBILITY in the world. Many African companies struggle to access the financing they need to grow and expand, which can limit their potential and hinder economic growth. But above all, be VISIBLE for this world. There are companies, entrepreneurs and cooperatives that cannot even have a Web page.
Political instability and conflict is another challenge facing the continent. In many African countries, political instability and conflict have led to economic instability and limited opportunities for growth and development.
Finally, climate change is a great challenge that will affect Africa in the coming decades. The continent is already experiencing the effects of climate change, including droughts, floods and other natural disasters, and will need to take steps to mitigate these impacts and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic about the future of Africa. With the right investments, policies and support, I believe African businesses and economies can overcome these challenges and prosper for years to come.
Interviewer: What has a pandemic like COVID represented in African countries?
Mr. Juan Esteban Reina: Pandemics in Africa are, unfortunately, essentially economic. The health effect has been less than the economic effect. But above all, what is most discouraging is seeing the selfishness of Western economies in situations like this before countries that require better trade agreements in order to develop in a sustained manner.
Africa sometimes perceives a certain neglect of those who should be fair trading partners. Developed countries better face any health crisis, and of course economic.
Interviewer: What is the price of appearing in the ProdAfrica Business Directory?
Mr. Juan Esteban Reina: In fact, show your company and events totally free. This includes that they can contact you if they are interested in your information.
The payment plans are really affordable, almost testimonial, and they expand the information displayed, and even the SEO promotion of your listing.
Obviously, there are other services such as consulting, promotion with banners, advertisements, etc. that require a personalized budget.
Interviewer: Thank you for your answers, we all believe very much in the future of Africa. It is not easy because the starting point is difficult, but on that continent there are the necessary ingredients to be the one who leads the world in the coming decades.
Mr. Juan Esteban Reina: That’s right, thanks to you. And I take the opportunity to encourage all companies located in Africa to advertise in our business directory. They will see how it adds up to their future projection.
Interview by David G. Moulds